He pulled the blanket up and tucked it around her shoulders. He smoothed her hair from her face and stared down at her. It was actually painful thinking about leaving her, and he didn't understand it, nor did he think he liked it.
He was a man who prided himself on his control, and having a little bit of a girl dropped into his lap and making his head spin went against his usual reaction to women.
He drew in a shuddering breath and took a step back. After another long look, he snatched up his shoes, turned, and made his way to the door. He glanced at her one more time before he flicked off the light and closed the door.
Gage was too revved up to go to sleep, so he decided to go down and get another drink. He froze outside of Darian's bedroom when he heard moaning and a stunned cry from Larkin. His body jerked painfully when she cried out, "Daddy."
He wiped a shaky hand down his face and walked downstairs. It took a few more drinks than he first thought he would have for him to feel like he'd be able to sleep.
An hour later, he was still staring up at the ceiling, thinking of diving between Brylee's creamy smooth thighs and driving his cock into her cunt as far as it would go and make her come over and over.
The predawn light was just creeping in through the drapes when he made his decision to keep Brylee. He'd seen the attraction she tried to hide from him, so he didn't think he'd have a fight on his hands to get her into his bed and into his life.
Brylee set her small suitcase down by the front door and found her way to the kitchen. Larkin and Darian were already at the small table, eating breakfast, and Ella was humming at the stove. She always loved these visits with her friend, but she was always so sad to leave.
"Hey, good morning," Darian said as he set down his cup of coffee. "Did you sleep well?"
Brylee nodded and tried to smile. "I did. Thank you."
"I wish you didn't have to leave this morning," Larkin complained.
"I know. Me, too. But I have to work tonight."
Darian hid his smile when both girls pouted.
"Darian, could you or someone give me a ride to the bus station?"
Darian's brows snapped together. "I don't like the thought of you on one of those buses."
"It's not bad, and I already have my ticket. I've ridden on them for years."
Darian waited until Ella set a plate in front of Brylee.
"Good morning, hun," Ella said and smiled.
"Good morning, Ella. Thank you for breakfast."
"Anytime."
"Let me think about this a bit."
Brylee stared at Darian. She didn't want him to bother. She was always afraid if she was to much trouble, he'd never let her come back.
"I don't want you to worry about it, sir."
"On your previous trips here, we've given you a ride back because we were headed that way."
"Really, it isn't a big deal…"
"Eat, I want to think about this," he told her and concentrated on his own food.
Brylee ate what she could before she took her plate to the sink and joined Larkin out by the pool.
"I called a taxi to take me to the bus stop," she informed Larkin.
The smile dropped from Larkin's face. "But daddy is thinking about what to do."